Little Known Black History Fact: Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon

Rear Admiral Stephen Rochon was the first African American Chief Usher at the White House. The Admiral served as Director of the Executive Residence in the White House from 2007-2011. He was responsible for the execution of all major events at the White House and preserving the home’s historic presence.

A native of New Orleans, La., Admiral Rochon began his first tour of duty aboard the cutter White Bush in Astoria, Oregon in 1973. He served in the Coast Guard Reserve while attending Xavier University of Louisiana, where he received a B.S. in Business Administration in 1979.

After he graduated from War College in 1999, Admiral Rochon returned to his hometown as Commanding Officer of the Marine Safety Office. He was appointed to his first flag officer assignment in Washington, D.C., as Director, Office of Intelligence and Security, and the National Security Advisor to the Secretary of Transportation, a department he would return to after serving at the White House.